Chef De Cuisine

CHEF DE CUISINE

Reports to: Executive Chef | Salary Range: $90,000 – $95,000 annually

Full-Time | Exempt

ABOUT COMMON GROUND KAUAʻI

Common Ground Kauaʻi is a regenerative hospitality company that is globally-minded and rooted in Hawaiʻi. Nestled on the North Shore of Kauaʻi on the grounds of a former sugar plantation and guava farm, our campus is a living, breathing ecosystem — a farm, a food innovation center, an event destination, and a movement all at once.

We believe food is the great connector. Our culinary program sources ingredients exclusively from Hawaiʻi, working directly with exceptional growers, ranchers, and makers who share our commitment to a circular, equitable food economy. We don’t just talk about farm-to-table — we complete the circle.

At Common Ground, what is good for the land is good for the farmer, the cook, the guest, and the community. This is the philosophy that drives every meal we prepare and every experience we create.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking a Chef de Cuisine who is not just a talented cook, but a deeply rooted culinary steward — someone who understands that cooking from scratch with locally grown ingredients is both a craft and a responsibility. This role is an invitation to join a mission-driven team on one of the most beautiful and fertile landscapes in the world, and to help shape how the future of food looks, feels, and tastes.

Reporting directly to the Executive Chef, the Chef de Cuisine will lead daily kitchen operations, inspire and develop a passionate culinary team, and help bring to life experiences that connect guests to Kauaʻi’s agricultural legacy and its regenerative future.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Culinary Leadership & Kitchen Operations

• Lead daily kitchen operations with a hands-on approach, ensuring consistent excellence from prep through plating.
• Partner with the Executive Chef to develop seasonal menus rooted in hyper-local ingredients sourced exclusively from Hawaiʻi.
• Champion scratch cooking and whole-ingredient utilization as core kitchen values.
• Maintain kitchen organization, cleanliness, and food safety standards at the highest level.
• Manage ordering, inventory, and cost controls in alignment with budgetary goals.

Farm & Supplier Relationships

• Cultivate and deepen direct relationships with Kauaʻi farmers, ranchers, and food producers who share our regenerative values.
• Stay curious and connected to what is growing, what is in season, and what our island’s agricultural community is producing.
• Work closely with our on-campus agroforest team to incorporate ingredients grown on Common Ground land.
• Participate in and champion the story of where our food comes from — sharing it with guests, staff, and the wider community.

Events & Experiential Dining

• Execute a diverse range of dining experiences including communal farm dinners, private events, corporate retreats, weddings, and large-scale banquets.
• Collaborate with the events team to design menus that reflect the spirit of each gathering and the character of our place.
• Lead kitchen production and logistics for high-volume events while maintaining quality and the Common Ground culinary ethos.
• Contribute to the development of our signature Farm & Food Experiences for guests visiting the campus.

Team Culture & Development

• Mentor, inspire, and develop kitchen staff, fostering a culture of curiosity, craft, and mutual respect.
• Model the values of Common Ground in every interaction — regenerative, equitable, aspirational, and lasting.
• Support a kitchen environment where everyone from the farmer to the dishwasher is valued as an essential part of the food chain.
• Participate in hiring, onboarding, and performance development of culinary team members.

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR

• 5 years of progressive culinary experience, with at least 2 years in a Chef de Cuisine, Sous Chef, or equivalent leadership role.
• A genuine, demonstrable passion for local and regional ingredients and cooking from scratch — this is not a box to check, it is a way of life.
• Deep knowledge of farm-to-table culinary practices and a working understanding of seasonal, sustainable sourcing.
• Experience with events and banquets strongly preferred; comfort executing for both intimate dinners and large-scale gatherings.
• Strong leadership presence with the ability to motivate a diverse team in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.
• Financial acumen: experience with food cost management, ordering, and kitchen budgets.
• A collaborative spirit and genuine interest in Kauaʻi’s agricultural community and food system.
• Culinary degree or equivalent professional experience.
• Food Handler’s Certification (or ability to obtain upon hire).
• Ability to work flexible hours including weekends and holidays as required by the event calendar.

BONUS POINTS IF YOU…

• Have experience cooking with Hawaiian and Pacific Island ingredients and/or cuisines.
• Have established relationships with farmers or producers on Kauaʻi or elsewhere in Hawaiʻi.
• Have participated in or led food-related educational programming, farm tours, or experiential dining.
• Speak ‘olelo Hawaii, Japanese, Filipino, or another language spoken in our local community.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Annual salary of $90,000 – $95,000, commensurate with experience.
• A mission-aligned team of changemakers, farmers, and food innovators who are genuinely working to change the food system.
• Access to on-campus agroforest, farm tours, and an ever-growing network of Hawaiʻi food producers.
• Health benefits and additional compensation details shared during the interview process.

JOIN OUR TABLE

At Common Ground, we set the table for conversations about how we eat, how we connect, and how we leave a better future for this planet. If you are a chef who cooks with conviction, leads with generosity, and believes that a meal made with care and integrity can change the world — we want to hear from you.

Come. Cook local. Feed community. Grow with us.

To apply, please send your resume, a brief cover letter sharing your relationship to local food and farming, and any relevant portfolio or references to:

cynthia@commongroundkauai.com

Common Ground Kauaʻi is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

Pay: $90,000.00 - $95,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $90,000 - $95,000